Day Two and Final Thoughts With Northwestern Lacrosse

I just landed back in Baltimore after two amazing days with Northwestern and 3d Lacrosse and something doesn’t feel right — like that sad, somewhat empty feeling you get when something really fun has come to an end. The past two days have been a dream, and I’m so overwhelmed with thoughts about this experience that I think the best way to wrap this up is to give you some thoughts and anecdotes in bullet points.

— I think Kelly Amonte Hiller is one of the most fascinating figures in lacrosse today — not just women’s lacrosse, but in the entire sport. Even if I were a men’s coach, I would be calling her to talk shop, because she is so innovative and analytical and savvy that I would want to pick her brain on different techniques and philosophies and ideas.

— On a similar note, if I was a high school lacrosse player and I wanted to be the best I could be and gain knowledge and skill I wouldn’t otherwise think I could have, I would want to come to Northwestern. I don’t think there is a coach who develops talent and creates successful players quite like she does.

— Jamie Munro is one of the most creative minds in the game. When I spoke with Amonte Hiller after we wrapped with film on Wednesday, she said many of the things Munro discussed over the two days were small things that could have a big impact, and it makes complete sense. This two-day collaboration was a lot of footwork and stick work and small-sided scenarios and things that are going to build great individual talent, which will make a team, as a group, better. For those of you who don’t know, I covered the University of Denver when Munro was the coach — he was probably one of the first of many interviews I would conduct as part of the Inside Lacrosse staff. To see him in action and hear all the ideas and drills he presented to the Northwestern staff was fascinating in itself.

— How much of an impact could box lacrosse skills and techniques have on the women’s game? I think if more teams incorporated these kind of player devlopment tactics, we'd see overall more creativity, quickness and higher lacrosse IQs.

A couple other quick hit thoughts from the trip:
— Outside of Scott Hiller, I’m not sure that Northwestern has had a male on their coaching staff. I think Tim McCormack is having a significant impact as the newest assistant with the program. It was great seeing him work with the goalies and the defense and provide insight in discussions throughout the trip based on his experience as a box goalie.

— Having Kara Mupo back on offense will be a bigger deal than people might think it will. Mupo sat out most of the 2013 season with an injury, eventually redshirting. She's back at full strength, and I really think 2014 will be her year to shine on the offense. She’s such a natural leader and so skilled and talented. I think her presence on the offense will be huge for the Wildcats.

— Alyssa Leonard is also recovering from an offseason injury. I love her competitive fire, which I always saw in game scenarios, and also got to see in practice. She always brings it and elevates the level of those around her. It's fun to watch.

— When we were driving from Lakeside Field to the indoor facility on Tuesday, Scott Hiller pointed out the field that was the original lacrosse field when Amonte Hiller took over the program in 2001. If you saw it, you would think I was lying, but it’s nothing. It’s a field off a main road through campus where on the average weekday you’ll find flag football being played and students soaking in the sun. Scott Hiller said when Kelly started, the marching band would be practicing there, and the team would get yelled at for being in the way. Balls would fly out into the street or hit cars parked alongside the park.

To see where the program began and how far it’s come gave me a new appreciation for hard work, toughness and grit and just everything Amonte Hiller has put into this program.

— Northwestern is in the process of building a $225 million facility that will include a full-sized lacrosse field the Wildcats will be able to use for those early-season, bad-weather games. The new facility will be 10 stories high and also feature weight rooms, meeting rooms, training centers and more. It will be located right on Lake Michigan with glass walls along the outside to provide a view of the lake.

— Speaking of the lake, Lakeside Field will definitely be a perennial contender for the Dani Award for Best Venue. What a cool place. It's right on the water, which you have a great view of from the stands, and is just a great facility. The beach is also nearby, which provides the Wildcats with somewhat of a unique training experience. Amonte Hiller mentioned their strength and conditioning coach sometimes brings the team there for workouts.

— I could sit and listen to Amonte Hiller and Munro break down game film all day. Maybe I'm a huge X's and O's nerd, but I just love learning more about the intricacies of the game and hearing their thoughts on where players should be and different ideas to incorporate.

— We got to watch a little bit of football practice on Wednesday while we were waiting for the team to finish up a meeting. As I mentioned in the photos post, there was a lot of excitement on campus leading up to this weekend as the undefeated football team takes on B1G opponent and also undefeated Ohio State on Saturday. ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike in the Morning is going to broadcast from Evanston on Friday and ESPN's College Gameday is on campus Saturday morning. With such a big game coming up, it was pretty cool to catch a little bit of practice. Of course, it was a closed practice, so we were politely asked to leave, but it was fun while it lasted.

— A few players seem to have made strong improvements since last season. Caley Chelios played excellent defense and had some nice dodges in offensive drills. Junior Haydyn Anigian and sophomore Kaleigh Craig also looked improved. Anigian had a couple good goals. I can see Jess Carroll filling in a role for Taylor Thornton or Gabriella Flibotte in terms of coming off the circle on draws, as she was a ground ball machine on Wednesday.